WebTorial 2 – Coaching 101

I have conversations everyday. We all do – either verbally or nonverbal, with others or with ourselves.

Conversations shape our lives. It is probably one of the most powerful tools to direct how our actions and inactions flow.

One of the questions I have asked myself all over again is, ‘what can I transform conversations into, how can I leverage on it to dig deep into my inner self and in others?’

I am excited to realize now that Coaching also is conversation!

Coaching, Mentoring and Counseling.

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All of the above are positive and needed in our lives. They fit into their specific use and we all should be able to get invited into any these.

So, what then makes conversations in Coaching different? Then, what is the difference between the conversations I have in mentoring, counseling and coaching.

I am learning here that counseling is usually done in responses to Attitudinal and Behaviour Gap

I remember now, that my mum is a counselor and I read into some of her school books. I enjoyed it as I felt that we all need some kind of counseling in our lives.. If you are working with young people, for example, it is important to bring in counseling as it is important to have a conversation on things that has been done or showing up.

Mentoring flows in the direction of learning from someone that has longer and experienced skills sets in a specific thing you are trying to do. This is in a form of facilitation and competency. It doesn’t always mean this person must be older than you.

In Prikkle Academy, my workplace, I am constantly learning from the people in my team about graphics Design and Setting stage for video production. These aren’t my areas of competence and I am constantly asking them insights and training to improve my skills.

In Coaching, you are helping others to find themselves. Asking them questions that make them think and see that the answers they desire are already within them.

Telling, Asking Or Listening

In counseling, questions are asked, listening is also happening, but this session provides (tells) you options to choose from, rather than asking you for ways you think you should go.

In mentoring, you mostly have to learn from the mentor – the mentee is leaning in and modelling the skill set of the mentor. The skill gaps need to be closed, so it is a direct and intentional growth from someone’s experience.

In Coaching, we are doing a lot to listening and asking.

When Do I Know Which One Someone Need?

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If you look at it from the angle that someone has some needs that haven’t been met, it is a good place to start with counseling.

Then, there is mentoring to help people master certain skills to do they want in their lives.

Then, we need to move them to a point where their highest potential is tapped into, through coaching – higher output, more awareness and so on.

Reflection

I do more listening and asking myself and others. I receive more of counselling and mentoring, less of coaching from my circle of influence.

I see now (looking into different areas of my life) that I need a balanced mix of all of these – mentoring, counseling and coaching.

I believe in my potential to live put my best life and I believe in the potential of others to be all that they desire to be too.